Fort George brews their beloved Spruce Budd Ale with NO HOPS whatsoever! 

And yet, those craft beer wizards still manage to brew Spruce Budd so it brims with hop-like notes of fresh pine and clean, juicy citrus. 

How do they do it, you ask? They use nothin’ but Pilsner Malts and locally-foraged Spruce Tips!

Spruce Tips have been used to brew in the place of hops since at least the 17th century, when British explorers ran out of ale during their voyage and were forced to improvise ingredients. But, this technique was largely forgotten until Fort George decided it was time for a comeback.

And make a comeback, it did! 

Now, each year toward the end of spring, PNW craft fans get all jittery with anticipation for the newest batch of Spruce Budd Ale to drop. Peep at the responses from fans, and they’re almost all squealing the same tune: “Fave beer of all time! Can’t wait!!”

Here’s the best news yet: this is the FIRST year in Fort George’s history that they’re letting the Spruce loose in pounder cans!

Maybe you haven’t tried this beer before — heck, maybe you’ve never even had an all-Spruce beer like it — but today, you can change all of that.

*Fort George is decorated in medals from the Oregon Beer Awards and World Beer Cup, and Thrillist names them one of the Best Breweries in Oregon!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Fort George Brewery is certified independent by the Brewers Association